15 research outputs found
Aptamers for pharmaceuticals and their application in environmental analytics
Get PDFAptamers are single-stranded DNA or RNA oligonucleotides, which are able to bind with high affinity and specificity to their target. This property is used for a multitude of applications, for instance as molecular recognition elements in biosensors and other assays. Biosensor application of aptamers offers the possibility for fast and easy detection of environmental relevant substances. Pharmaceutical residues, deriving from human or animal medical treatment, are found in surface, ground, and drinking water. At least the whole range of frequently administered drugs can be detected in noticeable concentrations. Biosensors and assays based on aptamers as specific recognition elements are very convenient for this application because aptamer development is possible for toxic targets. Commonly used biological receptors for biosensors like enzymes or antibodies are mostly unavailable for the detection of pharmaceuticals. This review describes the research activities of aptamer and sensor developments for pharmaceutical detection, with focus on environmental applications
An evaluation of the utilization of anhydrous ammonia as a fisheries management technique in ponds
No full textIt is well established that ammonia and other nitrogen compounds are essential in the aquatic environment and that mankind's manipulation of the concentration of these compounds might be either beneficial or harmful. This basic knowledge forms the basis of the hypothesis that the manipulation of ammonia concentration in ponds might be valuable in the manipulation of pond ecosystems for the benefit of mankind. Data and observation from a preliminary study of the application of ammonia in 15 ponds confirmed the potential of ammonia as a fish toxicant and indicated the need for a controlled study to evaluate the effect of ammonia on the various aspects of the pond ecosystem. Thus, the present study was conducted to evaluate the potential of anhydrous ammonia as a fisheries management tool in ponds. In addition to determining the efficacy of applying anhydrous ammonia as a practical pond management technique, the study has broad environmental applications. The data permit the prediction of ammonia degradation rates and, in turn, the time required for the pond ecosystem to return to normal. Four ponds, located on the Heart of the Hills Fisheries Research Station near Kerrville, Texas, were treated with 10, 20, 30 and AO ppm of anhydrous ammonia, respectively, in July 1971 and February 1972. ..
